EXCEPT the communities give necessary support to the Lagos State government's efforts to provide needed infrastructures like roads, drainages and other facilities, the programme of the state to improve on the existing facilities may continue to be dreams hard to come by.But, to ensure that already identified projects completed as soon as possible, Lagos State has called on property owners to shelve the sword of litigations trailing some of the projects, saying the step was capable of hampering the projects and ultimately differ physical developments in the state.At the inspection of some on-going projects in the state last week, Lagos' Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat lamented legal actions instituted against the state government over issue of demolitions meant to pave way for some of the projects.The commissioner, who was on a visit to various road project sites at Oshodi-Isolo, Ajeromi-Ifelodun and Mushin Local Government areas of the state, said the establishment of the right-of-way for any road project was done without bias and with due consideration for the right of the property owners.He indicated that payment of compensation when major demolition occur were normal based on specified and outlined procedures adding that when any property is acquired by government, an evaluation was done to determine compensation payable.At the site of the on-going Ago-Okota Palace Way construction, the commissioner stated that the huge NEPA Pylon at the location had influenced the determination of the Right-of-Way. He decried the legal actions by two property owners, saying such step has been impeding the progress of the project.Hamzat, however, noted that the properties in question could not be evaluated until the determination of the case. He stated that the design of the road includes, streetlights and walkways requiring ample setback.According to him, court injunctions and other long- drawn court/ legal proceedings can constitute impediments to the delivery of projects. He thus advised communities to prevail on their neighbors to sacrifice in the overall interest of the communities.Commenting further, the commissioner commended the spirit of support that the residents and landlords in the community had given the government by the prompt removal of shops and fences affected by the Right-of-Way of the project.He further indicated that there had been on-going discussions with the authorities of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on the Adisa Ajibulu link road bridge. He assured that the engagement had been fruitful.Reacting to enquiries on the state government's commitment to the project, Hamzat said delays in project would not occasion low quality job as contractors attempt to meet deadlines as the government has put in place procedures to ensure quality control.He said site engineers and consultants employed by state government have a responsibility to not only ensure quality but also to advice government and ensure that the right things are done.The commissioner declared that government would not fail to blacklist any erring contractors, who, in spite of being encouraged, persistently fail to perform and deliver on their contracts.He said it is only when it becomes absolutely necessary and obvious that there are realistic and verifiable circumstances that seriously affect the term of a contract that government will entertain variation. He added that there is also a possibility of downward review.At the Badejo Kalesanwo road, the commissioner said with the completion of the new Police Station to house the one up for demolition, the pace of work will move ahead faster adding that the relocation had become necessary because the original one had been sited directly on the road and over a drainage channel.He spoke of the willingness of the state government to continue to support the Police as it performs its role of safeguarding lives and property and ensuring peace.Projects visited include Ago-Okota Palace Way, Adisa Ajibulu Street, Alaba Cemetry road and Badejo Kalesanwo Street.
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